Survivor: That’s what Russell said

For its 20th incarnation Survivor brings back past contestants for a Heroes vs. Villains showdown.

Texan Russell Hantz is delighted to be among the all-stars. Nicknamed Evil Russell last season’s Survivor: Samoa, Hantz has naturally been recruited for the villains’ team.

When I spoke to Hantz about his loss to Natalie, he said I should write down everything he says during the show. It would be words of wisdom from Russell, he said.

So I took the challenge. Here’s what he had to say during the two-hour premiere, when a hero, crybaby Sugar, was the first one voted off the island.

“I’m a villain. I think villains are smarter than heroes because they don’t mind stabbing somebody in the back to get where they want to get. It’s a fact. It’s a proven fact. Google it.”

“Believe it or not I’m a little nervous going in. Look who I’m here with for god’s sake. You know I’ve got to get my mind straight and not let them get me too star struck. I’m out here playing the game with them now.”

“I’m still in awe that I’m here with all these great players of all time. Finally I can play the game with somebody who respects the game.”

After losing the first challenge: “The villains lost. You think that really bothers me? Losing? Because I’m used to losing with a bunch of dummies, but this ain’t a bunch of dummies. We will win. I’m looking forward to sending the heroes to tribal council and them do their hero thing.”

Monty Brinton: CBS

“I’ve got way more to prove right here than I did last time. If can do it here. If I can take it all the way. If I can whoop these all-stars, then doesn’t that mean I’m the best ever?”

“I’m going to play similar to the same game. I’m going to use the mind game. They had better give it their all and play the game because I’m taking this crap serious. That’s why I’m here. I have to work my magic on the villain side, which is going to be tough.”

Strategizing with the female players: “Let’s walk for a minute. I’m going to be straight up with you. I want to be in the final two. I ain’t going to say that to anybody else.”

“The thing is if we can trust each other, then we can do this. Which I trust you, but you have to trust me. You have to no matter what because that’s the whole game. And this is when it happens — the first day. This is when it happens.”

“I will stab people in the back. I’ll do whatever it takes to get to top. But what I’m telling you is that I want to get to the top with you. We are going to be better of a pair than you can even possibly imagine.”

“I want you and me to go to the top. Period. That’s what I really, really want. I can swing it. Because when we get to the merge, we can swing. That’s where you can really help me. Trust me.”

“I want you to trust me. Do you trust me? I want to trust you.” (“Do I have a choice?” one conspirator answers.) “That’s not the point, even if you did cause one day you will. At the merge you will have options.”

Watching the camp goings-on: “These are all-stars, but you know what, I’m a little above that like Michael Jordan is in basketball and Michael Phelps is in swimming. There’s always somebody that’s above their sport. And I’m the best player that ever played this game. Now guess what, I get to prove it.”

About a budding romance: “You know what, Coach, I think that, uh, you don’t step away from love. If it’s hitting you in the face, you grab aholt to it. You know, man. Go for it.

“We made fire. Now Coach is going off with Boston Rob like he’s a hero or something. He thinks he’s the boss of the camp. He thinks he’s in control, but this is my mountain. And I’m still king of the hill. So Rob’s in my palace and I’m still the king unless I’m dethroned. Well, you know what, that ain’t going to happen.”

Robert Voets: CBS

Villains get a reason to celebrate.

The villains win the challenge that sends the heroes to tribal council: “What I like about is that they are all shook up now. Now they divided. We have to divide them.

“The heroes got their asses handed to them. We’re having a good time. Just sitting back loving it. It strengthens our tribe and weakens the heroes’ tribe.

“They got to stab somebody in the back. They’re over there being villains. That’s what they are doing.”